The Focus Magazine Dec 17

MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2017 · PRICE $5.95

4 of

The Best Shows on Radio

ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR

FASHION IS BACK

THE

STARS OF THE STAR

CITY

WILL YOU GO #EXCLUSIVEINDIE CHARTS INSIDE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF FOCUSED RADIO

Editor’s Letter

Editor

From the CEO What’s going on?

Hey everybody, I am so glad to be talking to you again. That means you’ve chosen to stay abreast of “The Happenings” of our city and all things connected to it.

This issue and the 42 before it continues to give you what’s going on with local small businesses, non-profit organizations, independent artists, and all other types of entrepreneurs, doing their thing out here. If people know about what’s going on, they are ore susceptible to tell others. That is what you are going to do aren’t you?

This month we bring to you a new layout and a different way we present the content we have gathered. Don’t worry, the same great stories are in here with the added bonus of a few more new bells and whistles that we added.

Let us know what you think about the information that is put out and if we are giving you what you need to STAY FOCUSED my Friends.

Tommy Page more commonly known to his listening audience as TommyP is the host of The Daily Grind Morning show on Focused Radio.

An Entrepreneur for over 10 years after leaving

Tommy Page TommyP@nufocusva.com

the military, TommyP is quarterbacking one of the finest digital media companies of our time!

NuFocus Group LLC 325 N. Jefferson St Roanoke, VA - USA FB. The Focus Magazine www.thefocusmag.com

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CONTENTS 8

8

From the Queenpin Our montly column from entreprenuer and accupuncturist Katie

12

Cover Story All work and no play is not the way to go.

16

Hood News Get the latest from our “in the streets” commentator

20

11

Looking Great Focus Fashion has the city looking real good these days

26

Will You Go

30

The Movement is more than a ministry, it’s exactly what it says it is

30

Ask Gizzy The Cat that has all the sense has something to say

36

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Bradley Free Clinic (BFC) provides free medical, dental, and pharmacy care for uninsured and underinsured, working families who cannot afford the cost of private care. BFC does not accept patients receiving Medicaid or Medicare, but may accept patients who only have catastrophic insurance.

BFC typically provides health care for: Residents of Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem, Town of Vinton, Botetourt or Craig County Income up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, People who work in full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs, Caregivers of preschoolers, the elderly and persons with disabilities, People residing in shelters/treatment centers, Students enrolled in college or training programs, People who are recently unemployed (within the past 2 years).

Free health care for working uninsured and underinsured residents in the Roanoke Valley.

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Remembering Larry Wallace: A Spirit of Giving This year, our SERCAP family has been reflecting on one of our own beloved members who was especially thoughtful and exemplary in giving back to others.

Larry Wallace, lovingly referred to as “the Sheriff” by SERCAP CEO Hope Cupit, was SERCAP’s Virginia State Program Manager. Larry was a husband, father, and registered professional engineer for over twenty-five years.

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On Thursday, November 26, 2015, we lost our dear friend and colleague, Larry Wallace; he passed away on Thanksgiving Day. With over 40 years of experience in project management, engineering, and water resources, Larry was always an active, appreciated, and confident voice on the SERCAP

This Thanksgiving season we reflect back on Larry’s generosity; his will to serve others continues to be an encouragement to our team at SERCAP—a beautiful reminder of all that we have to be thankful for this season. Larry and his wife, Lari, regularly served in rescue shelters like Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, Va., caring for animals in the local area.

Larry went out of his way to offer food, supplies, and love to these shelters and their furry friends. This year, our staff made a cash donation to Angels of Assisi in Larry’s memory

Larry’s giving heart inspires and humbles our SERCAP family; his humility was especially apparent in his time of service with the National Guard.

“Serving is just what you should do,” he would say.

We still miss you Larry, and this Thanksgiving season, we will keep working, keep giving and continue to remember your generous spirit. (excerpts from the blog. Read the full story on SERCAP’s website at http://sercap.org/blog-news/ remembering-larry-wallace

Virginia Blood Services’ Blood Donor Mobile App that puts the power to support life in the palm of your hand, is now available to download on iPhone and Android! Donors can download the free Virginia Blood Services Donor Mobile App by visiting the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store on their mobile phones.

Simplify your life.

Download the app today.

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 7

GET THEE TO A GROCERY! BUILDING A HOME APOTHECARY B Y J O VA N R A H S M A N O F Q U E E N P I N H E R B S H O P You don’t have to go to a health food store to start building your home apothecary.

There are plenty of medicinal allies available at your local grocery store. Fresh ginger, raw local honey, fresh thyme and fresh garlic are a few of my favorites. Let’s talk a little about how we can incorporate them into our healing protocols.

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Images courtesy of www.queenpinroanoke.com

“ When someone in my family is feeling body pain with an illness, I love to prepare them a strong cup of fresh ginger tea.”

Ginger Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it is helpful for nausea, relieves pain, helps fight upper respiratory infections and helps break a sweat.

When someone in my family is feeling body pain with an illness, I love to prepare them a strong cup of fresh ginger tea. To make tea from fresh ginger, and chop up between 1tsp-1tbl of the root.

Cover your chopped ginger with freshly boiled water and steep covered for up to 20 mins. Strain your tea, sweeten to taste and serve hot. For digestive upset try leaving the tea unsweetened. If nausea is present you can simply drop chopped ginger into a water bottle of room temperature water and sip occasionally.

Honey (raw and local preferred, not for children under the age of 1) Honey is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It is one of the best things for a cough, coats a sore throat and is my go to for those annoying nighttime coughs. You can either take honey straight and by the spoonful or add it to your teas.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris, common garden thyme) Thyme is a helpful antimicrobial most often used with respiratory problems. An easy cold care tea

recipe can be made with fresh thyme, ginger and lemon, sweeten with honey. Breathing in the steam is comforting and helps heal respiratory issues.

Garlic Garlic is a powerhouse of healing; as an antimicrobial it helps with viral and bacterial infections. Did you know there are crazy people out there making garlic lemonade? Well, it’s true. Try this recipe

by Dr. Aviva Romm and see what you think. It might not be as crazy as you think!

Garlic Lemonade: 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 quart sized mason jar with a lid fresh squeezed lemon honey to taste instructions: Bring 1 quart of water to a boil.

Chop up 3 cloves of garlic, place in a quart sized mason jar and cover with boiling water. Steep for 15 mins then strain. Add lemon and honey to taste.

“Drink hot, up to 4 cups/day. This is safe for kids over 2 years old and for pregnant women, too. It can be used to treat cold symptoms and prevent colds and flu.” -Dr. Aviva Romm

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 9

Maya

Katie

TerraVie Wellness

Queenpin Family Wellness

TerraVie Wellness offers high quality therapeutic massages by combining various healing modalities to create a unique blend in every session.

provides acupuncture services, community education, as well as fun, edgy interactive, themebased events where participants are given practical solutions to help them pursue health, well-being and holistic modern life management in a positive, empowering environment.

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-Authors CallSpotighting our Writers

Best Amazon selling author Stevii Aisha Mills is our Authors Call spotlight this month. Learn more about her books that are currently out

Cultivating Your IT Factor This book teaches entrepreneurs how to shift their perspective, release unproductive habits, better manage their money, and achieve balance through practices of self-discovery and self-care.

Pieces of my Platform The Pieces of My Platform tells the inspirational stories of women who have all experienced the worst of times, yet have been able to turn them into the best of times.

Stevii Aisha Mills is a woman on a mission to increase joy and clarity to the world - one conversation, one vacation, and one experience at a time.

Everyone can rock their IT FACTOR with Stevii in the room!

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ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR BY TO M M Y PA G E

You can’t pick the fruit you planted and not consume it

Working hard is something we have been taught to do. It is the way one eats and survives. How often do we really stop to make sure we are enjoying the product of it?

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I mean just think about it, the song that broke the first rap group from VA on the major scene was a song called “Grindin.” I’m saying, don’t that mean that it’s all that it is to do in order to get out of the despair our folks have been plagued with?

What is grinding a jagged edge without stopping and testing how smooth the effort you’ve put in so far has resulted in the desired effect? Can you really just keep grinding and grinding and never really gauge your progress? Is that what the residue of slavery is? Back then we had to work and work without much incentive and even after slavery ended it seems we opted to labor instead of own.

There is something happening in Roanoke right now though. Almost a renaissance of some kind.

The things that people used to say couldn’t be done are actually happening. Strangely enough with that is coming more people enjoying the encounter. Business owners are smiling while at functions to produce real social networking. Real person engagement that makes the experience of on-line interaction more trustworthy.

Even with this movement occurring, it seems that people are still stressing over things. Trying figure out why it seems no matter how hard they work it still isn’t enough to do all that needs to be done. Seeming like why hasn’t this thing made me more money? Why aren’t more people coming out and supporting? Why can’t I get a million views on YouTube? Why? Why? Why Lord?

Here’s a thought. Maybe you have everything you need right now in this moment that you are in. Just like the rusted, jagged edge of that knife called life you been trying to grind down, once you stopped to run your finger across it you’ll see your work has made the blade sharp. That’s exactly what you’ve become. You are sharper now and your product you have bought to the world has pierced the atmosphere and is here.

“ I just looked back a few weeks

ago at what all God has allowed the vision He put in me, add to the wonderful experiences I’ve had with this life.”

I know the sharks of Shark Tank and other family members who have all the sense has told you that you need to go and get you a “real job.”

Wasting your time on this “thing” just don’t make sense. Go back to labor and grind it out some more.

I agree, we can’t get caught up in seeing small results all the time when our idea is one of grandiose proportion. However, if we are really working by our business plan which we set forth, it should confirm that the work you set out to do is producing the results it was supposed to produce. For whatever numbers isn’t matching up, you can work from there instead being emotionally misguided to leave your calling.

I just looked back a few weeks ago at what all God has allowed the vision He put in me, add to the wonderful experiences I’ve had with this life.

Yes, I loved it when other things such as money was seemingly readily available, but the cycle of not appreciating what I did have made it hard for me to really capitalize on maintaining what I was going after.

The future we want is only acquired by just how much we optimize the right now. The past is just that. It’s the things you’ve overcome and grinded out so you can enjoy your present!

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 13

It’s Your Money, Take Care of It 5 Common Mistakes When Applying For Financial Aid & Ensuring Your Year-End Donations Are Tax-Deductible

5 Common Mistakes When Applying For Financial Aid Given the astronomical cost of college, even well-off parents should consider applying for financial aid. A single misstep, however, can harm your child’s eligibility. Here are five common mistakes to avoid: 1. Presuming you don’t qualify. It’s difficult to predict whether you’ll qualify for aid, so apply even if you think your

net worth is too high. Keep in mind that, generally, the value of your principal residence or any qualified retirement assets isn’t included in your net worth for financial aid purposes.

Some schools also require it for merit-based aid. In addition, a number of institutions require the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®, and specific types of aid may have their own paperwork requirements.

2. Filing the wrong forms.

Most colleges and universities, and many states, require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for need-based aid.

3. Missing deadlines. Filing deadlines vary by state and institution, so note the requirements for each school to which your child applies.

Some schools provide finan-

Drew, Jamoria, and Wes Pughsley PAGE 14 |

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE

Get your taxes and all other financial answers

cial aid to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out, so the earlier you apply, the better.

This may require you to complete your income tax return early.

4. Picking favorites. The FAFSA allows you to designate up to 10 schools with which your application will be shared. Some families list these schools in order of preference, but there’s a risk that schools may use this information against you.

Schools at the top of the list may conclude that they can offer less aid because your child is eager to attend. To avoid this result, consider listing schools in alphabetical order.

5. Mistaking who’s responsible.

If you’re divorced or separated, the FAFSA should be completed by the parent with whom your child lived for the majority of the 12-month period ending on the date the application is filed. This is true regardless of which parent claims the child as a dependent on his or her tax return.

The rule provides a significant planning opportunity if one spouse is substantially wealthier than the other. For example, if the child lives with the less affluent spouse for 183 days and with the other spouse for 182 days, the less affluent spouse would file the FAFSA,

improving eligibility for financial aid.

These are just a few examples of financial aid pitfalls. Let us help you navigate the process and explore other ways to finance college.

Our mission is to help clients maintain financial viability in the present, while taking a proactive approach to achieve future goals.

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FROM MY VIEW BY FARMER OF THE DAILY GRIND MORNING SHOW

The country is in all types of disarray and it doesn’t help that our leader seems to be in the midst of most of the confusion. I’m no writer, but I know how to say what needs to be said!

As a black man with a crazy view on life I’m now standing in the mist of frustration.... 45 as i call him has done everything in his power to mess things up from the NFL to just being President .. Sir if i may call you Sir . your job is to bring our country together and fixes things ...but all you seem to care about is what people think of you .Now maybe if you would stop with your childish ways and understand that people are dying without the basic things like health care .... But you worried about if three young men from UCLA tell you thank you ... But won’t address misconduct by you or any Republican .... But will PAGE 16 |

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tell anyone from the other party they should resign...

45 you are a wealthy man and you should understand that only helping people that have what you have doesn’t make American great .... It makes American look like it’s been looking ( HARD FOR People OF COLOR) To have the dream of just being able to live and have a little something to leave our kids just like you and your friends....BUT IF WE DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT YOU DON’T WANT US TO HAVE THAT WHY SHOULD WE UNDERSTAND anything coming from you so with that being said ...........MY T-SHIRT SAYS IT ALL

TROY “FARMER” GARDNER IS A COHOST OF THE #DAILYGRIND SHOW ON FOCUSED RADIO. ALWAYS PROVIDING “THE REAL” TO THE CONVERSATION.

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#GetThewordout

We Have Faith For A Cure Since March 2014, Faith 4 A Cure and Virginia Blood Services has partnered together to “GET THE WORD OUT” about Sickle Cell Anemia. In order to do so we have used a diverse range of settings, such as:

•Higher Education •Faith-based Organizations and forums •Community Engagement •Media/Broadcasting •Health Fairs •Public Service Announcements •Blood Drives

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At some point in their life, Sickle Cell patients will need a blood transfusion.

In many cases blood transfusions are routine treatments.

Because of this fact, the primary focus in getting the word out is through hosting blood drives throughout the state of Virginia. It doesn’t just stop here. Faith 4 A Cure is on a mission to create awareness and education not just in Virginia but globally through the use of social media, web presence, radio and television, speaking engagements, educational forums, and much more.

MORN NOON Southwest VA’s hottest radio station playing the best of Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B from the chart toppers and some you may have never heard before.

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 19

Looking Gorgeous No more dreaming, it’s now a reality.

Focus Fashion Digital Magazine is here!!!!

What an amazing time we’re having with it.

I MUST ADMIT, AT FIRST IT WAS SCARY AND YOU SAY TO YOURSELF, I CAN’T DO THAT! BUT THE REALITY IS, YES I CAN AND I DID. ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, WE LAUNCHED OUR VERY FIRST ISSUE OF FOCUS FASHION DIGITAL MAGAZINE. THE LAUNCH WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, WE HAD MUSIC, GREAT FOOD, BOUTIQUE OWNERS, MAKEUP ARTISTS, AND BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. THEY ALL CAME JUST TO SEE WHAT THIS FOCUS FASHION DIGITAL MAGAZINE IS ALL ABOUT. Focus Fashion is about fashion to its entirety. I expose not only the clothes but the models themselves, the fashion designers, the shoes the hairdresser and the makeup artist.

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(Top Left) Owner Erica Kane poses with model Toneiekia (Above) The models and the host of the evening Stevii Aisha Mills (Right) Make-Up artist Seth standing by his work

Erica Kane owner of Focus Fashion is with her partner in “Shine�, TommyP at the Throwbacks Fashion Show

Everything that makes Fashion complete is what Focus Fashion is about. Your not going to have just a size 2 model modeling clothes in Focus Fashion your also going to have the size 22 model wearing the clothes well. Because you see real Fashion is not one sided there are multiple sides and shapes to it ...my job is to make sure you are exposed to that in every issue.

Fashion is not complete if the focus is just the clothes you need the hair ,the makeup and the shoes to make the fashion complete. So if the focus is not on all of these things then Focus Fashion is not complete.

As I started this journey I was completely satisfied with making this a Fashion Digital Magazine only.

However, it now appears that Focus

beautiful models who worked the

Fashion is not just a digital fashion

runway. The hair makeup clothes and

magazine but a fashion Brand.

shoes were Focus Fashion complete.

A night to remember and also a step-

On Friday November 24 Focus

ping stone that made me see we are

Fashion did its very first fashion

not just a fashion digital magazine

show which again was a hit. We had

but a fashion brand!!!

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 21

5 Week Virtual Environment Will you accept your invitation?

January 29, February 26, 2018

Living The Life I Love Experience $97 bit.ly/letslovelife2017

Learn strategies that will take you from being a best kept secret to being a household name!

Out Of Conflict Comes Acts Of Love With the news of the sale of the Dumas Hotel earlier this year, all sorts of ugly truths about just how divided Roanoke is culturally arose.

One woman is using her time in the building to produce bodies of work to bring about change Another reason to be downtown to complain of wrong doing to the black community from downtown. It seems as though it’s common practice in this town. Since Urban Renewal has left it’s residue on the community at Gainsboro, seems like it was inevitable that this would happen.

The sale of the Dumas Hotel.

The last of the giants that gave Roanoke it’s appeal as more than a small country town back in it’s hay day.

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The Dumas hotel hosted some of the most happening acts of the time. James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Little Richard all hung out in Roanoke because they were playing the Dumas Hotel.

The people just couldn’t seem to get any answers. How could the city, TAP, or whoever it is that could, give away that last bragging right piece? Probably to some developers who have already made plans to rid “all” the memories of a time when

black folks was running things over there.

Well really, is knowing who is the new owner more important than seeing what might be going on in the building already? I didn’t think so.

So even after working with teams to try to raise money to “buy” the Dumas back, I had to see what this buzz was about some little white girl who is already in there is the one that probably got it.

Ami Trowell is the owner of theater 3. A performance group that has only had one mission from the start, provide a great venue for music, comedy, and theater.

A creator herself, Ami works

hard to keep the very essence of what the Dumas was known for back in the 30’s and 40’s very much alive and well today.

I was amazed to see the many different Improv events with the well known Big Lick Conspiracy members teaching Improv and giving back.

The Live from Henry Street concept seems super dope.

So how did I not know about all of this? I’ll tell you why. Because I along with so many others have been worrying about the wrong things.

Come out to the Dumas.

Ami is killing it over there!

Ami Trowell owner of Theater 3 In the Dumas Hotel Theatre 3 connects, inspires and supports our community using improvisation and company written works. We provide educational programs that teach crucial life skills using theatre. We believe an important part of our work involves connecting with all communities in order to reflect our common humanity.

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 23

Top Seller

Black By Popular Demand Owner Lawanda Menefee is strutting her stuff with one of the items from this collection

Best alternative cloths this winter.

Get noticed!

$55

GET IT NOW

The holiday season is the perfect time to surprise that woman in your life with items from the Bry & B Fashions Online store or Boutique located in the lovely downtown Roanoke area.

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YOU CAN BE EVERY WOMAN with BRY &B THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 25

Will You Go? DEEJAY REED AND OTHERS ATTACHED TO HIS MINISTRY HAVE ANSWERED THE CALL, WILL YOU?

We are a ministry of movement for God. We are here to build people up and create leaders that will go and preach the true word of God with no fear. We are reaching the world through Social Media, Celebrate Recovery, and Inspirational Productions. Each of these elements gives us the ability to answer the call “Will You Go?”.

“Will You Go?” Is our mission statement, if we are needed for God to be a support , a help, or just needed for prayer, we will go is our answer.

God set the challenge when Isaiah, accepted it in the Old Testament. Jesus confirmed the same challenge in the New Testament with the Great Commission.

No matter your walk of life or where you are with your relationship with God, we challenge you to answer the call, “Will You Go?” PAGE 26 |

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Isaiah 6:8 “I heard The Lord saying, whom shall I send?

Then WE said here WE are send US!” WE ARE MEN OF GOD ANSWERING THE CALL OF GOD!!!

The Movement MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN. WE HAVE OUR WAY OF SHOWING “GREATER SIGNS”

Celebrate Recovery Celebrate Recovery is a biblical based study to teach us: -First how to overcome our hurts, habits, and hang ups.

-Secondly how to live a life of Christ through 8 basic principles -Third how to be the leader God called you to be.

This study challenges YOU in away that traditional teaching doesn’t give.

Are you ready to be the best YOU that God wants?

If so join us on Friday’s at 7:00 pm.

It will be a life changing experience

Social Media Ministry As our society is every growing into a new and digital age.

We are embracing the challenges of this new culture.

We believe that through Social Media like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other forms of social media. That we can reach and develop a God culture that can change the world now at a click of a post or a share of a video.

This is the platform of today, this is: “The Movement”

Inspirational Productions Inspirational Productions is all about finding your gift, talent, or drive to answer God’s call on your life.

We all have a uniqueness that we want to help cultivate into leading this world into a culture of God. No matter how unique or different that gift maybe it was designed to spread the gospel and we want to help you grow that gift.

Join us on Tuesday’s at 8:00 pm and let’s start growing YOU! THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 27

4

Focused Radio

Of the

best

We know Focused Radio plays the best music, but it also has the best shows too!

1

The Daily Grind Show TOMMYP, ERICA KANE, AND FARMER

Starting each morning at 8a, you can hear some of the best music playing on radio.

With a great mix of old school and the top hits of today, the Daily Grind show gets your day started for you. Combining the split personality of TommyP and his self proclaimed plethora of knowledge, with the beautiful and sensible Erica Kane with a splash of Hood News from Farmer, The Daily Grind has a little something for everyone Facebook Live is where you really get a chance to meet in-depth this awesome trio.

It is there, that they open themselves wide for the audience to throw questions, comments, and the other into the live feed. Talking mainly about the “Focus Points� that should be addressed to change the economic depravity of Northwest Roanoke, with solutions that has proven results. This team could be the most underrated PAGE 28 |

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2

MidDay Music Mix MOTHA AND FM FREQUENCY

The longest running show on Focused Radio next to the #TPNDMS, the Midday Music Mix is the perfect transition from the morning show.

NY natives now residing in the Tidewater area brings the best of Old School Hip-Hop and R&B.

3

Dotcom Radio DJ UNIQUE

Legendary Hip-Hop group, The Lost Boyz own DJ Unique has one of the most interactive shows on the web. From his celebrity call-ins, to the crazy mixes with shout outs that just seem effortless, Dotcom Radio is something Roanoke has never seen before.

4

Tha Plug DJ DINK AND SCOOBY Fleet DJ and the hottest one to do it in the Star City, DJ Dink takes you to “The Cave” for a ride like you were in NY or ATL. With his homie DJ Scooby on the mix, it really goes down when these two get together

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 29

Just Ask Gizzy I already know what you’re thinking, since when should I start taking the advice of a cat in a bow tie? Don’t worry, the fact you asked shows how much you need me!

Gizzy Cat runs a monthly column answering questions his readers may ask. However this month, Gizzy wanted to let you know answers to the questions that hasn’t been asked that should’ve...

Gizzy says: DO NOT LET US FURRY COMPANIONS SLEEP BY RADIATORS OR WOOD BURNING STOVES. Instead place us in a warm cozy spot and put a small blanket on us. WE LOVE COMFORT!!

GIZZY says: In case of power outages caused by blizzards or other types of inclement weather keep extra blankets for us furry friends too, battery-operated flashlights in case you lose power, clean water and plenty of food.

Gizzy says: PROTECT OUR PAWS!! Our paws can get very dry and crack, even start to bleed you can help by rubbing Petroleum PAGE 30 |

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE

jelly on to protect our paws.

Gizzy says: Feeding us more during the cold weather months helps us gain needed calories, also make sure we have plenty of water to drink will help keep us hydrated and our skin less dry.

Gizzy says: Lastly….If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your us, keep us inside. Being outdoors, in the winter is not a good situation for us at all. For one thing we can freeze, get a serious injury, get lost, or even killed. So Please DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT PLACE US OUTSIDE!!!!

The man behind the Myth, Gizzy is a true Tom Cat that has all the sense in the world.

Follow Gizzy on instagram

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 31

Branding and Creative Boutique based in Roanoke, Virginia.

The YOUNIVERCITY

Get your exclusive gear from The YOUNIVERCITY online at

www.theyounivercity.com

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THE FOCUS MAGAZINE

We provide our members feasible services and solutions with a mission to motivate, Creative Space for like-minded entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and small businesses who aspire improvement for themselves and their community.

Fueled by forward thinking, creativity and resilience our mission is to provide our members with feasible solutions that will lead them to success.

OUR MOTTO IS “YOU MATTER”. IT’S OUR MISSION TO ASSIST YOU IN REALIZING YOUR FULL POTENTIAL BY PROVIDING FEASIBLE SOLUTIONS, SERVICES, AND PRODUCTS THAT WILL MOTIVATE, EDUCATE AND INSPIRE. Learn more and shop at

www.theyounivercity.com THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 33

Historic Building in Gainsboro area of Roanoke gets new residents to bring life back to “The Yard.”

Perfect Skin 325 N. JEFFERSON ST IN ROANOKE IS THE NEW HOME FOR THE GAINSBORO DAILY GRIND. A COLLABORATIVE WORKING SPACE IN AN AREA THAT NEEDS IT MOST The last occupants was a hair salon that lasted less than a year. Before that, then Delegate Onzlee Ware operated his law firm there. However, the property has sat without much activity in it for the last 5 years The property, built in 1900, is now the hub of small business activity for minorities in Roanoke.

NuFocus Group LLC moved into the property with a desire to keep on the momentumn it has started from being right down the street at the Lawson Bldg. Providing resources, partnerships, and support to small businesses, non-profit organizations, independent artists, and all other entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands in southwest VA.

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Gainsboro Daily Grind located at 325 N. Jefferson st in the Historic Gainsboro area of Roanoke, VA is open for business.

NuFocus Group LLC has its headquarters in this wonderful facility while providing collaborative workspace for the community and a store front space for once online only businesses.

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 35

The Nu-NEW

BEST

Restaurants in Roanoke

Roanoke is becoming known for all sorts of things such as the Taubman, the train coming back and of course the health care systems. We are learning there are some “bangin” places to get a bite at as well. Check it out as we put you on to the Nu-NEW.

K&J’s Cafe In the heart of the city right on Melrose Ave, K&J’s Cafe serves up some of the best soul food around.

n u e e pi

n

JUST SAY THANKS

Q

Price : @$8.00-$12.00

ing great soul food in Roanoke is still new to others. Ms. Kathy’s way of making everything from fried fish, to chicken salad, and sides you just can’t get anywhere else. The desserts are just another piece to this wonderful puzzle.

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er

H

has been around for a while now for us that know “the spots”, find-

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We do our best to put you on to the Nu-NEW. Even though K&J’s

b Sho

VIP’z Sports Bar and Grill in Downtown Roanoke that boasts the best wings around!

Price : @ $9.00-$13.00

DOWNTOWN NIGHT LIFE Along with the great lunch and early hour specials, VIP’z provides the nightlife for the Grown and Sexy!

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 37

#EXCLUSIVEINDIE JAEWAR Jaewar is a born entertainer for sure. The Jamaican-Haitian-American producer, engineer, and frontman for VIBE RIOT offers a full package as Creative Director for ALTER NATIV LLC. .

INDEPENDENT ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Waddup!

The Brooklyn-born lyrcist was raised in the “757” area of VA, and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in engineering, earned at Virginia Tech. This unique combination of influences, humbleness, and a perfectionist’s approach to his love for PAGE 38 |

THE FOCUS MAGAZINE

reggae and hip-hop have taken the sounds created by his funk rock soul band Vibe Riot internationally.

“Hayleigh Worgan writes, ‘In addition to the sultry sounds that invite listeners to dance and unwind, Jaewar, frontman and songwriter, does not avoid using his poetic aptitude to address

current issues. He encouraged the participation of the audience in “Waddup” from his latest EP, “True! Raw Honey.” With their full attention, he called on the crowd to be aware of what is happening in the world, to recognize their responsibility to stay informed, and to stand up to those in support of hate-

2. Money Callin- CraigO Wham

racist rhetoric and violence. There is so much to consider in every word of this song, but especially the crucial line, “If it ain’t one love, it’s war.” ‘ “

3. Hard Times- Star-Citi 4. Leave Tripp 5. Man Down- S Type

For more see the website and stream the album on Spotify: www.VIBERIOT.com You can hear this and other #ExclusiveIndie artist playing on....

The number one song in #ExclusiveIndie rotation on Focused Radio and voted on by the panel of judges comes from Jaewar.

“Waddup” is this month’ #TopDawg The rest of the top 10 #ExclusiveIndie chart is as follows:

6. Experimental- Joon D 7. Say OhML Hardy 8. I Need You- Jeremy Wilder 9. One Night Lover- Mr PR$E 10.Tommy&Nicole- Purpose THE FOCUS MAGAZINE | PAGE 39

WORK IS THE BEST ACHIEVEMENT OUR LIFE THE FOCUS MAGAZINE 325 N.Jefferson St Roanoke, VA 24016

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